New research is shedding light on how conditions such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure may significantly increase the risk of developing dementia, while scientists are also uncovering a surprising connection between gut health and brain deterioration.
A study from the American Academy of Neurology found people with diabetes face a much greater risk of dementia than those without the disease. Published in the journal Neurology, the research showed people with Type 1 diabetes were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia, while those with Type 2 diabetes were about twice as likely.
Another study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, found obesity and high blood pressure may also raise dementia risk. Researchers say some weight-loss medications could help prevent cognitive decline, particularly vascular dementia linked to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Meanwhile, researchers at Case Western Reserve University say they have identified a possible link between harmful gut bacteria and brain damage. Their findings suggest certain bacteria produce inflammatory forms of glycogen that trigger immune responses capable of harming the brain. Scientists believe the discovery could eventually lead to new treatments aimed at breaking down those harmful sugars in the gut and improving long-term brain health.